Re: David M
Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 5:41 pm
Cheers, Wurzel. Males are easier than females because you've got the sex brands, but as you say, the knees often must be employed to get the antennae shots!
Thursday 8th August 2013 - Aston Rowant (Part 3)...
If it were possible to know how many Chalkhill Blues were present on this site last Thursday then I guess we'd be looking at 4,000+. You couldn't walk 5 yards without disturbing them, and a glance at practically any conglomeration of flowers would furnish several more. They looked particularly beautiful in the weak morning sun:
Same individual's underside:
Females were also extremely conspicuous:
There were quite a few Common Blues flying, and just as many Brown Argus, including this 'mint' specimen:
The shrub line at the bottom of the bank yielded about two dozen Brimstones, both males and females, which were strongly drawn to this dead-nettle type plant:
Along with the butterflies, I was also treated to the sight of two soaring Red Kites (although these are commonplace in the Swansea area so I didn't get too excited!)
Quite a few enthusiasts visited in the 5 hours I was there and I'm sure they all had as great a time as I did. This is now probably an annual 'must visit' place for me.
Thursday 8th August 2013 - Aston Rowant (Part 3)...
If it were possible to know how many Chalkhill Blues were present on this site last Thursday then I guess we'd be looking at 4,000+. You couldn't walk 5 yards without disturbing them, and a glance at practically any conglomeration of flowers would furnish several more. They looked particularly beautiful in the weak morning sun:
Same individual's underside:
Females were also extremely conspicuous:
There were quite a few Common Blues flying, and just as many Brown Argus, including this 'mint' specimen:
The shrub line at the bottom of the bank yielded about two dozen Brimstones, both males and females, which were strongly drawn to this dead-nettle type plant:
Along with the butterflies, I was also treated to the sight of two soaring Red Kites (although these are commonplace in the Swansea area so I didn't get too excited!)
Quite a few enthusiasts visited in the 5 hours I was there and I'm sure they all had as great a time as I did. This is now probably an annual 'must visit' place for me.